BAs can cover both a breadth and depth of domains, but the way in which most organisations view and leverage Business Analysis does not always match the broader perspective and thinking which BAs can bring. To explore this, we'll look at the BA Core Concepts Model, which views Business Analysis as a "dynamic conceptual system" of related concepts. Combined with a principle driven approach to Business Analysis, we'll discuss how these views can help us better articulate the purpose and value of Business Analysis. Whether you're in an Agile, Waterfall, utterly perfect or monstrously hellish environment, using a systems view of Business Analysis can drive better outcomes for your organisations, your teams, your BA communities - and you too.
Text of LAST Conference 2014: A systems view of Business Analysis
A systems view of Business Analysis, or: How Business Analysis
can be really awesome
We can go from this To this.
BA Core Concepts Model A dynamic conceptual system which
represents the foundations of Business Analysis Developed by the
Core Team for BABOK v3 Definitions as per BAConnection article
A group or individuals with a relationship to the change or
solution (via Flickr)
Stakeholders A group or individuals with a relationship to the
change or solution Can be more than just interest and
influence
A controlled transformation of an organisation (via
Flickr)
A controlled transformation of an organisation Prepare change
Provoke change Prevent change Change
The part of the environment that encompasses the change (via
Flickr)
Context The part of the environment that encompasses the change
Everything relevant to the change, but not the change itself
Provides a way for stakeholders to talk about their relationship to
the change Defines what is relevant ENVIRONMENT CONTEXT CHANGE
A problem, opportunity or constraint with potential value to a
stakeholder (via Flickr)
Needs A problem, opportunity or constraint with potential value
to a stakeholder Needs may come as part of existing context
Requirements are usable representations of needs Needs feed
solutions
The importance of something to a stakeholder in a context (via
Flickr)
Value The importance of something to a stakeholder in a context
Importance changes with prioritisation Can be results based
(usually, but not always money) or action based (motivation)
A specific way of satisfying a need in a given context (via
Flickr)
Solutions A specific way of satisfying a need in a context
Satisfy a need Are valuable functionality, characteristics or
experiences Form a new context after change
BA Core Concepts Model A dynamic conceptual system which
represents the foundations of Business Analysis
Business case, impact analysis, user story, use case, fishbone
diagram, BPMN etc. Critical thinking, business acumen, industry
knowledge, facilitation, negotiation, etc. Agile, BABOK, Lean,
XEP3, TOGAF, ITIL etc. Applying the fundamentals See the bigger
picture Bring people together Facilitate shared understanding Focus
on what is valuable ConceptsPrinciples Approaches Competencies
Tools and Techniques
Outcomes Stronger, foundational understanding of Business
Analysis Deeper insights and outcomes brought about by better
Business Analysis A shift in the way we view work Better decision
making Attunement Enable positive change Right thing at the right
time (via thinkpurpose)
(via Flickr)
Thanks. Daryl Chan Consultant at SMS Management and Technology
Business Analyst for life Tweets and other ramblings:
@darylinabarrel Big thanks to @sci_ba and also the #BACCM